Abt Associates - Sector Planning and Budget Adviser

⁠⁠⁠ Abt Associates PNG is looking for a qualified candidate who will be a part of the Education Support Services (ESS) program team. The successful candidate will provide quality technical advice and capacity development support to the National Department of Education (NDOE) and Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST).

The PNG Education Support Services Program

Australia partners with the Government of PNG to support the implementation of extensive reform agendas for both basic and tertiary education. Education and Leadership forms a key aspect of the PNG-Australia Partnership, including under the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). The portfolio goal is: Papua New Guinea citizens gain the skills and knowledge to take advantage of employment and leadership opportunities and is focused on three priority areas:

• Foundations – supporting literacy and numeracy skills in the early years of school as the necessary foundation for progressing through schooling and into the workforce.
• Skills and Productivity – helping the tertiary sector to meet industry demand for skills in support of economic growth, resilience and to enable social mobility; and
• Leadership – supporting leadership capability, which is crucial for future governance and stability.

The ESS Program is designed to supply quality technical advice and capacity development support to the National Department of Education (NDOE) and Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST). It focuses support on areas that contribute to improving learning outcomes in the early grades, and skills and productivity in the post-secondary higher education sector.

Advisors will deliver support to strengthen organisational capacity in DHERST and NDOE to implement key reforms in higher, technical, and basic education. ESS advisors will work across several organisational capability areas. ESS advisors are expected to provide quality expert and appropriate advice and apply principles of practice that engage senior leadership, promote collaboration, foster an inclusive corporate culture, and influence leadership commitment and engagement, strengthen operational processes and systems, and build a performance culture that continues to reflect and renew itself.

Position Summary - Sector Planning and Budget Adviser

The Sector Planning and Budget Adviser will assist in the strengthening of systems and staff capacity to implement the transition reforms, particularly in planning and budgetary reforms to be implemented through the 2022 and 2023 budgets and related medium term planning years. The role addresses immediate capacity gaps in planning and budgeting and the ongoing capacity development of staff to manage and oversee the 5-Year Sector Planning and Budget process.

Duties include but are not limited to:

The Sector Planning and Budget Adviser will focus on strengthening DHERST capacity in the following key areas of responsibility:

• Updating the demographic and financial data base previously developed in the DHERST 2019 publication, The Financing of Higher Education in PNG, 2011 – 2019. Trends and Issues;
• Reactivating and strengthening of the Inter-Departmental Committee to Support Implementation of the rolling Medium-Term Higher Education Sector Plan and Budget;
• Preparation of the DHERST annual budget for 2022 to include transition of agreed institutions into the DHERST budget, and consequential organizational reforms;
• Following broad sector consultation, publication of the Sector Plan and Budget for Higher and Technical Education, 2022 – 2026;
• Preparation of the DHERST annual budget for 2023 to include transition of further agreed institutions into the DHERST budget and further consequential organizational reforms; and
• Following further broad consultation, publication of the Sector Plan and Budget for Higher and Technical Education, 2023 – 2027.

The successful Candidate will bring:

• Post-graduate qualifications in Finance, Economics or International Development or other relevant experience;
• Demonstrated successful track record advising at senior levels on public, sector-wide planning and budgeting, preferably in a higher education context;
• Significant prior experience working with funding partners in international development;
• Demonstrated strong experience working in development aid in the Asia/Pacific region;
• Excellent knowledge of and experience in the Higher Education Sector in Papua New Guinea preferred.

Applications should be submitted online via the Careers page of Abt Associates’ website and MUST include a CV and covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria listed.

Further details for this opportunity can be found in the Information for Applicants available from the Careers page of Abt Associate's website at:

http://www.abtassociates.com.au/careers/job-search/